If you’re remotely into sneakers, or just into hyped up and limited releases, then you should be familiar with the process of how Nike launches them. The SNKRS app from Nike was created and launched in 2015 to make it more accessible for buyers to purchase limited sneaker releases. To “win” the opportunity to purchase a coveted release basically all you have to do is download the app and create a Nike+ account. Once you enter in your address and payment info the app automatically checks you out on sneaker launches you enter to win (if your entry is selected).

Unfortunately a lot of people are unhappy with how the current Nike SNKRS is run and have become increasingly frustrated with losing out on the opportunity to buy their favorite pairs. There are bots still beating the system and scooping up a majority of the pairs or people that just win constantly on the app with no intentions of wearing any of the pairs they secure. These reasons are plenty enough to give consumers across the sneaker world headaches.

               

We interviewed three normal, regular sneaker buyers who have done their fair share of collecting and asked them, “What are some things you would change about the Nike SNKRS app or how would you do it?” These are the responses and feedback we got from them:

Interviewee 1:

“I would create a better/fair opportunity for everyone to enter (the drawings). I also want to know what exactly are the qualifications to win a drawing/release? – if any. There should be a rewards program like FA and FL to give a more even playing field to win on the app. On big anticipated releases, make sure their (Nike’s) software doesn’t glitch out when we (the buyers) go to pay and whatnot. Lastly, Nike should create an extensive encryption to prevent bots. Go through a more verified identity process to prevent the same person creating a lot of ‘burner’ accounts.”

Interviewee 2: 

“I would honestly like to see more ‘draws’ considering bots take all the first-come-first-serves and better chances at getting shoes. I would like more of a fair opportunity for people to buy shoes. They also have to fix the error when you type in your passwords and it says “invalid password” because of the app jamming up. When it is first-come-first-serve on the app it always crashes or bots buy them within minutes. I know people have fast hands but it’s to the point where me and my boy stay up all night and morning just to try and beat them (the bots). They should give each person ample time to get them or have you type in a code that’s specific to each phone. That might limit bots because only the user can have a phone but they need to limit how many accounts one person can use somehow.”

Interviewee 3:

“It’s really hard to tell if it’s fair, is it like the Footlocker app where if you spend enough you constantly win? It’s not hard to enter but I  always question if it’s fair. I’ve only hit on one actual ‘draw shoe,’ others were first-come-first-serve style. I hit on the “Off-White Blazers” draw style and for that I had 10 minutes to enter, then whatever happens, happens.”

What are your thoughts on the Nike SNKRS app? Would you change anything similarly to what our interviewees had in mind? How has your luck been as far as being selected on the app to purchase limited releases?